OKC Thunder: Three Storylines to watch this upcoming season

Monitoring Tre Mann’s Rotational Minutes

Tre Mann has been very good in preseason, averaging 13 points and three assists on 42-50-100 shooting. His patented stepback leaves defenders doing the shuffle and he’s already one of the best perimeter shot-creators, especially from three, for this team.

However, his minutes could be impacted thanks to the Thunder’s gluttony of guards. Gilgeous-Alexander and Giddey will command 30 minutes a night thus leaving Mann, Williams, Lindy Waters, and the newly acquired Isaiah Joe competing for the remaining minutes. Mann leads the pecking order so he will likely be given the first opportunity to play 20-25 minutes a night.

What makes Mann an unusual case is he does not fit the mold of what the OKC Thunder have targeted in recent years via the draft. Oklahoma City has gone after players who are oversized at their position with great passing skills and the ability to create for others off the bounce.

Mann is 6’4 and doesn’t possess high-level passing skills. Additionally, Gilgeous-Alexander and Giddey aren’t the best defenders but Mann is the worst of the three thus playing them together seems like a no go zone. However, Mann and Giddey have improved on defense this preseason. Jalen Williams has also emerged as another candidate who could also take some of his minutes if his first preseason transfers to the regular season.

Mann’s minutes will depend on how head coach Mark Daigneault chooses to mix and match different lineups. It will be interesting to see the direction the team takes.